Vikings report: Scouting the Packers

October 24, 2013 at 6:00AM
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers gives a thumbs up to fans prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers gives a thumbs up to fans prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

About the Packers record: 4-2

• The Packers have at least 350 yards on offense in their past nine games, the second-longest active streak in NFL.

• Green Bay has a 100-yard receiver in five of its past six games despite injuries to three of its top four targets. WR James Jones (knee) is questionable; WR Randall Cobb (leg) and TE Jermichael Finley (bruised spinal cord) are out.

• Rookie RB Eddie Lacy (right) has 301 rushing yards in the past three games, most in the NFL during that span.

• The Packers have at least three sacks in three consecutive games.

• Green Bay held opponents to fewer than 85 rushing yards in each of the past four games.

Player speak: QB Aaron Rodgers

• Rodgers has a 116.4 rating against the Vikings, best in the NFL by a QB against a single opponent since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

• In nine of his past 11 October starts, Rodgers has a passer rating of at least 100.

• On Finley's absence: "The next guy up has to step up and play well. We're going to use a few different guys at that position."

• On his success against the Vikings: "For whatever reason, there's been times where we've been able to execute pretty well against those guys. We've had some battles over the years."

Coach speak Mike McCarthy
• McCarthy, 49, is in his eighth season as an NFL head coach. He's tied with Mike Holmgren for third in franchise history for most career victories (including playoffs) with 84.

• On the improved run offense (sixth in the league, gaining 134.7 yards per game): "It starts up front. Our offensive line has been practicing together and performing up front. We have continuity there and playing at a higher level than in the past."

• On Adrian Peterson's success (508 rushing yards in three games) vs. Green Bay last season: "He broke a lot of tackles against us. Our gap integrity and tackling will definitely be the focus this week."

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